Dear Dave,
We live in an older neighborhood and our house is connected to a septic system. The system is about 30 years old and we suspect it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. The public sewer line has been brought into our neighborhood, but the cost to hook up to it is about $10,000.
We need some advice on the route we should go - septic or public sewer system?
Thanks for answering questions each week - we look forward to hearing how you answer ours.
Thanks in advance,
Mick and Jamie – Grand Junction, CO
Mick and Jamie,
This one is easy! Keep your septic system running as long as you can, because when it fails you will HAVE to hook up to the sewer system. Once sewer has been run to your neighborhood you are obligated to hook up if/when your septic fails. That means, keep your septic running as long as you can to avoid the sewer installation and plant assessment fees, but be prepared for expenses either way.
Here are some common signs of septic system failure:
1. Slow drains or “stuff” backing up into your home. If you have slow draining you should call and have your septic tank pumped out. Your tank may be overloaded with solids and just needs to be pumped out to restore proper flow and allow it to properly drain into the leech field.
2. Unpleasant odors inside or outside your home. You will know the smell when you smell it. It most likely won’t be a, “honey do you smell that?” smell, it will be a “Honey is that you?” smell. All kidding aside, it will be a noticeable sewage odor. Make sure to have this looked into before your next neighborhood party!
3. Soggy areas or puddles in your lawn, when it has not been raining. This is likely telling you that your drain field is going bad and not properly draining. If you notice this, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
If you have slow drains, gurgling sounds, waste backup in the home or foul smells in your home, it very well could be a clogged main line or issue with your tank. If you have not already done so, I would have Goodwin’s Septic come out and pump your septic tank and have it inspected to see if you have any issues that can easily be corrected. It is my understanding, keep in mind that I am no septic expert, that if your tank and lines check out and you have puddles, standing liquids or drain field issues, you are likely to need a new field. This means you would have to abandon the existing field and install a new one. If your field or tank has failed and you have sewer in your neighborhood, you will have to “hook up” to the sewer system and abandon your septic. You realistically will not have a choice.
Keep in mind, the nice thing about Sewer is, you flush it and forget it… for the most part. The bad part is the ongoing costs associated with monthly sewer bills. Bottom line, If sewer has come to your neighborhood, it is just a matter of time till you become a part of it.
Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team
